The role of NSP4 and integrin α2β1 in the damage of extrahepatic hiliary epithelial cells

Abstract

Objective To investigate the role of rotavirus non structural protein 4 (NSP4) and integrin α2β1 in the damage of extrahepatic biliary epithclial cells.Methods Extrahepatic bilt duct of Balb/c mice was harvested for ex vivo culture of biliary epithelial cells (EHBE).The primary cultured epithelial cells werc fixed,Immunofluorescent (IF) assay was performed to detect integrin subunits a2,β1 and rotavirus nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4).Small interfering RNA targeting integrin α2 was transfected into EHBE before rotavirus infection.Real-time RT-PCR was used to measure the mRNAs of integrin α2 and NSP4.Results Integrin α2 and β1 were detected at the surface of EHBE.Furthermore,the expression of NSP4 was colocalized with integrin α2 on the surface of rotavirus-infected extrahepatic biliary epithelial cells,indicating that NSP4 released from rotavirus-infected EHBE hinded with the integrin α2 on the adjacent uninfected cells.Silencing of integrin α2 decreased the mRNA of rotavirus NSP4.Conclusions The integrin subunits α2,β1 are expressed and locate on the surface of primary cultured extrahepatic biliary epithelial cells.The integrin α2β1 and the rotavirus NSP4 play importnat roles in the injury of extrahepatic biliary epithelial cells. Key words: Rotavirus; Biliary atresia